The Best Mount Gambier Accommodation

Searching for the perfect Mount Gambier accommodation? From old gaols and boutique hotels to upscale homes, there’s something for every kind of traveller.

You’ve got the spectacular sinkholes noted and the lakes circled, but what to do about locking in that perfect Mount Gambier accommodation? With our pick of the bunch, you’ll be buckled in for the holiday of a lifetime.

Prefer a stay at a local caravan park? Don’t worry, we’ve got a separate list for that too.

1. Mount Gambier Hotel

Say hello to the accommodation option that has it: a central location in the middle of Mount Gambier, affordability, and an Art Deco aesthetic thanks to its extensive renovation.

a spacious bedroom at Mount Gambier Hotel — Mount Gambier Hotel offers a spacious and cosy bed to lay your head.

Established in 1862, at Mount Gambier Hotel you’ll find a total of 16 tastefully decorated and incredibly spacious rooms – 15 of them upstairs including two pooch-friendly superior queen rooms, two family suites, while one two-bedroom suite can be found downstairs.

A decent onsite bistro serves some of the best – and most generous – breakfasts around, while the plentiful parking makes a stay super convenient.

a table-top view of generous breakfast plates at Mount Gambier Hotel — Treat yourself to generously plated breakfasts at Mount Gambier Hotel.

Phone number: (08) 8726 7000

Address: 2 Commercial West Street, Mount Gambier

2. The Barn

There’s little doubt you’ll be heading to The Barn – located less than a 10-minute drive from the centre of Mount Gambier – for a steak (it’s the best in the region), but why not settle in and make a night of your visit?

the exterior of The Barn surrounded by manicured English-style gardens — Surrounded by manicured English-style gardens, The Barn oozes countryside charm.

Featuring generously proportioned suites set among five acres of artfully manicured English-style gardens, accommodation options – mostly constructed from Mount Gambier Limestone – are available in a wide variety of configurations to suit every kind of traveller keen on enjoying a quasi-farm experience.

a stack of wine bottles in the storage of The Barn Steakhouse — The Barn Steakhouse features an array of wines from the local wineries of the Limestone Coast. (Image: The Barn)

We love The Farmhouse, a recently rebuilt four-bedroom house with rural views located just 350 metres from The Barn, which also features high-quality amenities including a tennis court, piano bar and 24-hour fitness centre.

the bedroom at The Barn, Mt Gambier — Sleep soundly in the four-bedroom house.

Phone number: (08) 8726 9999

Address: 747 Glenelg River Road, OB Flat

3. Jens Hotel

Falling in love is easy when you’re faced with the romance of a pretty-as-a-picture 19th century facade paying homage to the early days of this, one of Mount Gambier’s oldest hotels.

Upon check-in, you’ll notice that olde-worlde charm is still there, represented by the central staircase (yes, it’s popular with the wedding and school formal set), and the opulent chandelier, but the good news here is that the 15-room Jens Hotel has all the mod-cons a stay in Mount Gambier requires, including a cafe-style dining area, newly established beer garden and a sports bar.

Halfway through a significant renovation (half the rooms have already been refurbished), there are accommodation options across every price point from premium to budget.

Phone number: (08) 8725 0188

Address: 40 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier

4. The Park Hotel Mount Gambier

What’s that? Another historic, centrally located hotel? The Park Hotel Mount Gambier , established in 1890, differs from its peers by offering a truly boutique experience, with just three hotel rooms of various sizes available for guests.

a look inside the bedroom of The Park Hotel, Mt Gambier — Stay in one of the boutique suites at The Park Hotel.

A favourite with corporate travellers who value the property for its convenience, the rooms – all featuring that all-important Nespresso machine are located on the second floor, but we love the Matthews Suite, a two-bedroom offering featuring an open gas fireplace and a luxurious spa. Downstairs, the friendly bistro below delivers classic pub meals and weekly specials seven days a week. It even has a drive-through bottle shop boasting the largest selection of Coonawarra wines in town.

two glasses of wine at the bistro of The Park Hotel, Mt Gambier — Head downstairs for a glass or two.

Shared laundry facilities and a communal kitchen are also available on site, making this a convenient property for those longer stays.

the dining interior of the bistro at The Park Hotel, Mt Gambier — The bistro below The Park Hotel also serves classic pub meals.

Phone number: (08) 8726 7500

Address: 163 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier

5. Colhurst House

Sometimes one needs a manor to call one’s own, but if you’re fresh out of luck in the property (and dare we say, inheritance) stakes, you can rent that feeling for a night or two at Colhurst house.

a bathtub and robe hanging inside Colhurst Place, Mount Gambier — Colhurst House has a bathtub to warm up in the cooler months. (Image: Tyrone Ormsby)

An elegant property built in the 1800s surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, Colhurst House is all about romance. Whether you book the dramatic Black Room, the soothing White Room or the Tartan Room, a stay here is entry into a world of whirlpool bathtubs, original fireplaces, and high, ornate ceilings with the building still featuring many of its original touches.

What’s more, even though you’ll feel like you’re miles from anywhere, you’re only mere metres from Mount Gambier’s city centre.

the entrance door of Colhurst Place in Mount Gambier — Step into the graceful manor that is Colhurst House. (Image: Tyrone Ormsby)

Address: 3 Colhurst Place, Mount Gambier

Phone number: (08) 8723 1309

6. The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows

Fancy a night (or two) of staring at the stars from your very own bed? Unplug from technology and say yes to romance with a stay at The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows , two geodesic timber glamping domes set within a 12-acre estate.

a glamping dome at Mountain Path Meadows — The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows come with a woodfired sauna. (Image: @2bcheese)

Set at the base of dormant volcano crater Mount Schank just 15 minutes from Mount Gambier, each dome features its own unique aesthetic, with The Traveller Dome sleeping four in a king-size bed, as well as a queen-size sofa bed, and The Birdcage sleeping four in two queen-size sofa bed configurations.

No need to worry about sharing the space with strangers; the domes are hired as a pair.

an aerial view of The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows — The two geodesic timber glamping domes are set at the foot of Mount Schank. (Image:@vadrouilleursdumonde)

Address: 12 Mountain Path Road, Mount Schank

Phone number: 0413 599 160

7. Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux

For those who prefer something self-contained and featuring all the mod-cons of home, Mount Gambier Apartments offers a wide range of apartments across Mount Gambier specialising in corporate, long-term, short-term and last-minute bookings.

the bedroom interior of Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux — Indulge in the alluring comforts of an apartment stay at MG Delux.

MG Delux is perfect for families – or groups of friends – travelling the Limestone Coast together, offering four bedrooms sleeping up to seven guests, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, and for those who are all about enjoying themselves under the sun, an outdoor entertainment area and barbeque.

the kitchen at Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux — MG Delux comes with a fully equipped kitchen to conveniently prepare meals.

A central location also means everything – including those all-important supermarkets – is right on your very doorstep.

an al fresco seating area at Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux — The apartment also has an al fresco spot to barbecue.

Phone number: 0409 250 577

Address: Unit 4, 19 Davidson Street, Mount Gambier

8. Comfort Inn The Lakes, Mount Gambier

For those who prefer the rolling hills surrounding the Blue Lake and Valley Lake, the Comfort Inn The Lakes Mount Gambier is the place that has it all.

the scenic view from The Comfort Inn The Lakes Mount Gambier — The Comfort Inn The Lakes is nestled between rolling hills.

Situated on the edge of the Valley Lake Crater and serving up pretty-as-a-picture views across the city, the property offers a range of rooms for different configurations, including a Honeymoon Suite and a Family Room.

The kids will love the indoor heated pool and spa – not to mention the property’s proximity to the city centre – while adults will appreciate the onsite guest laundry facilities (sad, but true).

a spacious bedroom suite with a floor-to-ceiling window at Comfort Inn The Lakes Mount Gambier — Wake up to picturesque views across the city.

Phone number: (08) 8725 5755

Address: 17 Lake Terrace West, Mount Gambier

9. Abode Accommodations

Introducing the perfect holiday home that has the lot: a gas wood fire and ducted heating (perfect for those cold winter days), a large pergola area with a Weber Q for those sunny days when you want to enjoy the warm Limestone Coast weather, and of course, all the mod cons indoors required for the ultimate getaway.

a living room with a fireplace at Abode Accommodations, Mt Gambier — Cosy up by the fireplace to keep warm on cold winter days.

Located in central Mount Gambier just five minutes from local restaurants, supermarkets, pubs and shops, Abode Accommodations ’ newly renovated property features TVs in each bedroom so every member of the family has an opportunity to switch off and relax within their own space.

a modern bathroom with a tub at Abode Accommodations, Mt Gambier — Luxuriate in your private tub.

Phone number: 0411 616 301

Address: 149 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier

10. Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation

For decades Kilsby Sinkhole has been celebrated as THE place to dive and snorkel, but those keen to stay in the serene Moorah area (a 15-minute drive from Mount Gambier) a little longer will be thrilled to learn that the folks behind the famous sinkhole have just thrown open the doors to their all-new accommodation offering.

the Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation — Book a stay next to the Kilsby Sinkhole. (Image: Ockert LeRoux)

Situated on private farmland just beside the sinkhole, their range of two-bedroom villas come equipped with every modern amenity possible, including beautifully appointed kitchens and feature a large barbeque area complete with a rustic fire pit in the common area.

the outdoor deck at Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation — While away the afternoon on the outdoor deck overlooking the farmland. (Image: Matilda Jones)

Designed to cater for all groups, whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family or a larger group of up to six. For groups of up to 10, you can even book Flexi Villa 1 and Flexi Villa 2 and unlock the dividing common door to share the space under the same roof.

farm animals grazing in the field at Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation — See farm animals grazing in the field. (Image: Matilda Jones)

Address: 525 Sisters Road, Moorak

Phone number: 0408 826 355

11. Old Mount Gambier Gaol

If you’re looking for something quirky, this might be it. Built around 1866, most of the rooms at Old Mount Gambier Gaol were once cells, each space sitting at some six metres by four metres. Of course, now that they’re hotel rooms, this means they’re a little smaller than average, but then again, there’s also a sense of, ‘Boy, if these walls could talk’.

two people entering Old Mount Gambier Gaol at night — Come to Old Mount Gambier Gaol for the heritage. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

For those who aren’t so thrilled about staying in a former cell, another option presents itself in the form of a Family Dorm Room, four spaces which were once used as offices, medical rooms and the original kitchen of the gaol, or you can even book one of two onsite cottages.

It’s the ultimate opportunity to delve deep into Mount Gambier’s history.

kids exploring around Old Mount Gambier Gaol — The accommodation can be a great learning experience for your kids as they glimpse into the past. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Address: 25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier

Phone number: (08) 8723 0032

12. A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier

It’s the name that grabs you first of all, sure, but once you see A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier , a four-bedroom holiday home nested in a quiet, tree-lined street, you’ll understand exactly why the property was given this title.

the kitchen at A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier — A stay at this humble abode feels like home.

Featuring all the creature comforts you could ever need for your time in Mount Gambier (fully equipped kitchen, gas log heater and an enclosed alfresco area), the quaint property designed with a charming cottage aesthetic can comfortably sleep up to six guests.

A Place to Stay Mount Gambier accommodation — The charming white exterior of the home.

Extra points for the gargantuan backyard which features a fire-pit area, undercover ‘beer garden’ and plenty of space for ball games, making this the perfect property to book with kids.

the seating area at the beer garden of A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier — Breathe in fresh air at the beer garden.

Phone number: 0408 854 662

Address: 33 Lindsay Street, Mount Gambier

Travelling in the area? Check out our list of awe-inspiring things to do in Mount Gambier.

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

Mount Gambier accommodation: An ultimate guide to the very best stays